Coatings manufacturers: Which laboratory mixing system is right for you?

To achieve reliable, accurate, repeatable, lab mixing that seamlessly scales up, an industry expert guides coatings manufacturers through the most important factors in selecting equipment and accessories

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For coatings manufacturers, laboratory mixing is an exact science. A wide variety of coatings rely on precise mixing where specific formulations, molecular structures, or product characteristics are critical. Many coatings require precise formulations for optimal performance. The chemical formulation of paints and coatings also requires careful blending of pigments, binders, solvents, and additives.

“The products developed in labs touch nearly every part of our lives. So, when mixing coatings, the results must be accurate, reliable, and perhaps most importantly, repeatable. Consequently, utilizing the proper instruments is essential,” says John Bogart, Managing Director of Kett US, a manufacturer of a full range of laboratory mixing as well as moisture and organic composition measurement equipment.

The challenge is that any mixer that isn't well suited to a lab's requirements can be very disruptive. For example, the mixer may lack sufficient speed, leading to incomplete mixing or poor homogeneity. A mixer may also insufficiently combine materials with multiple viscosities, resulting in “ring layers” where the various viscosities settle at different depths in a poorly mixed product. These kinds of issues are problematic when mixtures or products are in laboratory development and accuracy is critical for the results to be reproducible on a larger scale.

According to Bogart, the key for coatings manufacturers is not only finding lab mixers that can perform as desired but also selecting those that can reliably do so while withstanding the toughest viscosities over time. As an industry expert, Bogart shares what coatings manufacturers need to know about selecting the most effective lab mixers for their specific applications.

Choosing the best mixer for your lab